Software Improvements and Enhancements

March 29, 2023

The software enhancements for FY 2023 are well underway. The following are the enhancements that you will see at the end of FY 2023. None of these enhancements will have an impact on the calibration coefficients. The calibration coefficients your agency is using with v2.6.2 and v3.0 will be applicable to the version to be released in July 2023.

 

•  Multiple Overlays; As you know, the PMED software does not permit multiple asphalt overlays of existing JPCP, CRCP, or flexible pavements: only one asphalt overlay is considered above existing JPCP, CRCP, and flexible pavements. So engineering assumptions need to be made for designing the second or third asphalt overlay. The software is being modified so a rehabilitation design can be directly completed on pavements where an overlay has already been placed.

 

• Creep Compliance for Input Level 2; This enhancement or improvement is to revise the existing input level 2 for creep compliance.  A standard procedure is being implemented to transform the frequency-based measured dynamic modulus master curve to a time-based creep compliance master curve.

 

• Climatic Model for very cold locations; In the existing versions of the software, the software produces an error message when the mean annual air temperature (MAAT) is below freezing (<32°F/0°C). The software or enhanced integrated climate model is being modified so that it can be used in extremely cold regions.  The Canadian Technical Advisory Committee requested this modification or improvement, which is being implemented this FY.